SUP lifts guests to a whole new level of ocean surf experiences

Feb. 11, 2014, Tofino, BC – As a result of the growing interest in stand up paddling – commonly referred to as SUP – Long Beach Lodge Resort in Tofino, BC has added both private lessons and rentals to its in-house Surf Centre offerings.

The 3.5 hour private lessons for up to five participants start at $289 Cdn per lesson. Most lessons take place in the morning hours, when the winds are typically lighter and the surf is more manageable along McKenzie Beach. SUP board and surf equipment rentals start at $39 per person which includes all equipment, including board, paddle, wetsuit, boots and hoods.

“We see more and more people grabbing a paddle and embracing SUP,” says Samantha Hackett, operations manager at Long Beach Lodge Resort. “It has literally lifted off overnight, so in response to this growing trend, the addition of SUP lessons and rentals at the Resort allows our guests to choose an alternative to surfing, right on site at our Surf Centre.”

The Lodge’s Surf Centre provides guests with a fully equipped centre to change, shower, decompress, and even warm up in a hot pool and sauna following their time out on the waves. A coffee bar and retail shop allows for hanging out, trading surf stories, and watching video footage on large screens around the room.

While popular on lakes and in calm ocean harbours, SUP in an ocean environment such as Cox Bay – with minimal break from surf and swells – requires a combination of balance, strength, patience and planning. The dynamic environment found on continuous ocean swells means that paddlers need to keep their bodies in an active pose, while remaining loose enough to maintain an upright position on the board. Of course, the Resort’s instructors spend time with each participant to help explain the basics of SUP, how to react to incoming waves, and how best to remain upright, at least for as long as possible.

“The ocean certainly adds a new element of challenge,” says Chance McCullough, surf club manager at Long Beach Lodge Resort. “What is most appealing is that one can do this sport at their own pace, but we can also move guests from beach to inlet to lake within a few minutes drive so they can have an experience that matches their skill and comfort levels, plus the scenery from the boards is second to none.”

SUP lessons are offered as an option to any overnight stay, with rates at Long Beach Lodge Resort starting at $199 for standard rooms, $219 for ocean view rooms, and $329 for cottages. To learn more about Long Beach Lodge Resort, visit www.longbeachlodgeresort.com or call 250-725-2442.

About Long Beach Lodge Resort

The vision of Tim Hackett and famous for its iconic Great Room, with spectacular ocean views and cozy fireside dining and relaxing, Long Beach Lodge Resort is home to one of the best surfing beaches in the area. In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the new Surf Club Adventure Centre opened, providing guests with a fully equipped centre complete with changing rooms, rentals, hot tub and coffee bar for comfort and enjoyment. Long Beach Lodge Resort is set right on the ocean on Cox Bay, Tofino and provides beautifully appointed accommodations in a private, wild Pacific West Coast setting. The resort offers 41 lodge rooms, 20 two-bedroom cottages and a full service dining room, as well as meeting space and instant beach access. For more information, visit www.longbeachlodgeresort.com.